Bladder Cancer Recurrence: a Persistent Fear for Patients
One of the hardest parts of living with bladder cancer is dealing with the risk of recurrence. For some, recurrences pop up every few months or years, and the relief of being "cancer-free" is short-lived. For others, bladder cancer is diagnosed, treated, and the person remains in remission – but the fear that it could come back looms overhead. For others still, remission has yet to be achieved.
No matter your experience, there are similar worries, milestones, and ways of coping. Our Bladder Cancer In America 2019 survey found the many ways by which bladder cancer recurrences affect our community.
Remission isn't always permanent
Over 400 people with bladder cancer completed our survey, and only 28% of those remained in remission after treatment. The uncertainty of living with bladder cancer is one of the hardest aspects to manage.
Anxiety before follow-up appointments
Follow-up visits sound simple. Just go in every three, six, or twelve months for a scan or cystoscopy and hope for the all-clear? It's not nearly that easy for most people with bladder cancer, and fears about a possible recurrence can plague the days leading up to an appointment.
Fears for the future
Worries about recurrence aren't the only fears people with bladder cancer experience. Anxieties about cancer progression can be emotionally taxing.
Bladder cancer goes beyond the treatment room
After bladder cancer treatment, many people might assume that life returns to normal. However, that's often not the case, and many survivors learn to adapt to a "new normal."
Emotional support is key
Living with bladder cancer can be exhausting, physically and emotionally. Luckily, friends and family often step up to the plate and offer comfort and support to their loved ones coping with cancer.
We want to thank everyone who took our survey for sharing so openly about their experiences with bladder cancer. Your responses help us to raise awareness of what life with bladder cancer is really like and provide information and support to others going through similar experiences.
The Bladder Cancer In America survey was conducted online from January through April of 2019. Of the 467 people who completed the survey, 420 were people who have been diagnosed with Bladder Cancer and 47 were caregivers to people with bladder cancer. Hit the button below to participate in our 2023 Bladder Cancer In America Survey!
Community Poll
Have you taken our In America survey yet?
Join the conversation